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Canberra airport expansion powers up

Canberra Airport’s $360 million “AirVolution” program is powering up with critical electrical and communications delivery works approaching completion.

Canberra Airport’s $360 million “AirVolution” program is powering up with critical electrical and communications delivery works approaching completion.

Electrical and communications engineering group O’Donnell Griffin was appointed to the $19.4 million “backbone” electrical works for the redevelopment of the Canberra airport terminal, and in a separate contract, is responsible for the lighting and power installation works on the new Qantas Level 3 terminal. Works have now increased in value, to a total of approx. $23.5 million.

The major contract, which began in July 2009, involves installing the power, lighting and data communications within the new terminal building, says O’Donnell Griffin’s Project Manager, Mr Gino Caputo.

These works are now approaching completion with testing and commissioning planned for early September. There are currently 34 O’Donnell Griffin employees required on site for completion, including major fit-out and commissioning works.

The works are the core of two new terminal extensions, the Southern and Western Concourses, totalling more than 50,000m2 of building area and two new 38,000 sqm car parks. When complete, the new terminal facilities will have double the number of check-in counters; new food, beverage and retail outlets; an international terminal; new airline club facilities; eight new glazed aerobridges; and expanded security screen areas.

As part of the redevelopment, Qantas is making a multi-million dollar investment in Canberra Airport to deliver an improved airport experience, with more space and comfort for customers.

O’Donnell Griffin’s works for the Level 3 Qantas fit-out within the Terminal building remains on schedule for the mid October 2010 opening. All wiring works are complete, with switchboards being installed and ready for terminations. Fit-out works will commence at the start of September.

This new power will enable the delivery of additional check-in facilities, increased lounge capacity, new business facilities and fast access to gates, providing speed and ease for passengers.

The Southern Concourse Terminal will incorporate tri-generation technology which generates electricity on site and uses waste heat from air conditioning for heating. Low energy fittings are also to be used.

The Southern Concourse Terminal project is designed by Rudds Consulting Engineers in conjunction with Lighting Design Partnership and is being project managed and built by Construction Control.

The O’Donnell Griffin works on the new terminal follow other projects for Construction Control at the airport, including a previous $1.8 million of electrical services for the office component, and $1.2m of electrical services at the car park.

O’Donnell Griffin has a major presence in the Canberra market and has previously worked on a number of other landmark Canberra projects with Construction Control, including defence facilities and the Australian National University.